By Lael Oldmixon, Alaska 529
May 8, 2020
A “Pand-Epic Mother” is a mother, who during the pandemic, is particularly impressive or remarkable. This might be you if you have done ANY of the following:
- Got out of bed.
- Changed your clothes.
- Brushed your hair at least once this week.
- Baked bread or cookies (or anything else).
- Found flour or toilet paper at the grocery store.
- Cooked dinner or ordered takeout.
- Counted change with your child (math lesson).
- Ordered groceries online.
- Explained to your child why they can’t hug their friends.
- Sat with a child on your lap during a work call.
- Are managing the education of one or more children.
- Helped your child with college applications.
- Figured out second-grade math.
- Cut a family member’s hair.
- Bought an educational app (music, art, reading, math).
- Taught your kids a new “life-skill” like pulling weeds or changing a tire.
- Helped your child complete the 30-day Lego challenge.
- Read the same book to your kids at least 150 times.
- Planned and hosted a virtual party (graduation, birthday, social hour).
- Created a chore chart for your children (whether they are doing the chores or not).
- Figured out how to video conference with your kid’s friends.
- Created a neighborhood scavenger hunt for your kids.
- Purchased a new gaming console.
- Did a community service project with your kids.
- Opened, contributed to or checked the balance of a 529 account for your child.
Parenting during a pandemic is a truly remarkable experience. My guess is that if you’re a mom, you’ve probably done many of the items listed above and so much more. You deserve a parade or at least a poorly spelled homemade card. However you spend your Mother’s Day, I hope you recognize that you are pand-epic! My suggestion: treat yourself to a spa day — lock the bathroom door and take a bath.
About the author
Lael Oldmixon is the Executive Director of Alaska 529. She lives in Alaska with her pand-epic spouse and their two kids. To find out more about Alaska 529, visit alaska529plan.com